Song meaning of Break It Down Again (Acoustic) by Tears for Fears

"Break It Down Again" by Tears for Fears is a thought-provoking song that delves into the themes of self-reflection, breaking free from societal norms, and embracing change. The lyrics encourage the listener to question their own behavior and mindset, urging them to dismantle the barriers they have built around themselves.

The song begins with the line "Break it down again, no more sleepy dreaming," which sets the tone for the need to awaken from a state of complacency. It suggests that it is time to stop merely going through the motions and start actively engaging with life. The lyrics further emphasize this point by stating, "No more building up, it is time to dissolve." This can be interpreted as a call to let go of the walls we have constructed and allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open to new experiences.

The chorus highlights the consequences of hiding from the truth and avoiding personal growth. It states, "It's in the way you're always hiding from the light, see for yourself, you have been sitting on a time bomb." This suggests that by avoiding self-reflection and change, we are preventing our own personal growth and potentially setting ourselves up for a destructive outcome. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that seeking external validation or waiting for a revolution won't bring about the desired transformation. Instead, the song suggests that looking within ourselves and discovering our own "inner song" is the key to finding something new and meaningful.

The second verse introduces the metaphor of the Walls of Berlin, symbolizing the barriers we create in our lives. The lyrics state, "No more Walls of Berlin, no more building up, it is time to dissolve." This reinforces the idea of breaking down these self-imposed limitations and embracing change. The song also criticizes the architects of life who prioritize materialistic pursuits and ignore the beauty of decay. The line "They make no mention of the beauty of decay" suggests that there is value in embracing imperfections and the natural cycle of life.

The bridge section of the song adds a playful element, with the lyrics "Horsing around, pray to the power, play to the crowd with your big hit sound." This can be interpreted as a commentary on the music industry and the pressure to conform to popular trends. It suggests that true artistic expression should not be dictated by commercial success but rather by staying true to oneself.

In the final chorus, the song reiterates the importance of facing reality and embracing change. It states, "It's in the way you're always hiding from the light, fast off to heaven just like Moses on a motorbike." This line implies that escaping from reality or seeking refuge in distractions won't lead to personal growth. The song concludes with the repetition of the phrase "Break it down again," emphasizing the need to continuously challenge ourselves and break free from stagnant patterns.

Overall, "Break It Down Again" by Tears for Fears encourages listeners to question their own behavior, break down barriers, and embrace change in order to find personal growth and meaning in life.